Lahore Businessman Abducted from Karachi Returns Home Safely

Zulfiqar Ahmed, managing director of Paracha Textile Mills and Mezan Group, was safely returned to his home after being abducted in Karachi. Authorities, including the Sindh High Court, are investigating the case following a petition by Ahmed’s wife. The police remain tight-lipped on the detailed circumstances.

Zulfiqar Ahmed, a prominent businessman from Lahore, has safely returned home after being abducted from Karachi last week, according to multiple police sources cited by Dawn. Ahmed, who serves as the managing director of Paracha Textile Mills and Mezan Group, was reportedly taken by unidentified armed men on July 23.

Mezan Group is a major player in Pakistan's Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, offering products such as edible oils, beverages, and tea. Confirmation of Ahmed's return was provided by South-DIG Syed Asad Raza, who noted that Ahmed is now back in Lahore.

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has intervened following a petition filed by Anber Zulfiqar, Ahmed's wife. A two-judge bench led by Justice Kausar Sultana Hussain heard the petition on July 25. The court has issued notices to several authorities, including the Ministry of the Interior and the Inspector General of Police, to locate the missing businessman.

Ahmed's wife detailed in her petition that his vehicle was forcefully stopped on Mauripur Road by eight armed men, leading to his abduction while his companion, Qaiser, was later released. Despite approaching various law enforcement agencies, she claimed that they had no information about the incident. A formal complaint filed with the Kalri SHO also did not yield results. Concerns were raised that Ahmed could be falsely implicated in criminal activities or harmed in a staged encounter.

(With inputs from agencies.)